Microsoft launches election platform for Xbox LIVE

Microsoft launched “Election 2012 on Xbox LIVE” on Monday, a new hub that lets Xbox 360 owners to watch and interact with election coverage on the presidential debates, learn about the candidates and issues.

Users can also register to vote, participate in live daily polling from YouGov and election programming from NBCNews.com.

“We want to provide our passionate Xbox LIVE community with a great way to experience the election process with TV that makes them participants — and not just viewers,” said Marc Whitten, corporate vice president of the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. “This is a great example of how our Xbox capabilities are making the promise of interactive television a reality.”

U.S.-based Xbox LIVE1 members will be able to interact in real time throughout the three scheduled presidential debates, as well as watch live feeds from the Republican and Democratic national conventions.

Xbox LIVE members will also be able to voice their opinions by responding to poll questions throughout live programming of the debates and other unique election events hosted on Xbox LIVE throughout the campaign season.

“Technology has been a transformative force in politics during recent years,” said Fred Humphries, vice president of government affairs at Microsoft. “The launch of the Election 2012 Hub on Xbox LIVE marks another exciting moment of change. This platform will innovate how some voters engage in the political process, and it provides greater access to valuable information such as the perspectives of youth at our town halls, newscasts and voter registrations. By bringing the elections directly into the home through this Xbox platform, we hope to encourage greater participation in the democratic process this fall.”